WNIT's Economic Outlook

There is alot of interest in solar projects in the region. We’re going to dive deeper into why and sit down with experts working to promote solar and its benefits, coming up on Economic Outlook.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) announced the construction of an 11 billion dollar data center in St. Joseph County. We have everything you need to know about that project on this week's Economic Outlook.

We're kicking off a new season of Economic Outlook. Jeff and George plan to take you to all corners of the region for an inside look at the people and projects driving economic growth. They're sitting down today to look ahead at the season and talk about some of the things you can expect to hear more about.

Jeff and George sit down and discuss some projects and ideas that will be coming up on this new season of the show. Make sure to watch and listen every Tuesday at 7pm on WNIT or wherever you get your podcasts.

Here at PBS Michiana, we are wrapping up another season of Economic Outlook. Jeff and George have taken you to all corners of the region for an inside look at the people and projects driving economic growth in the region. They are sitting down to reflect on some of our favorite shows, and to talk about some of the great things happening in the region.

He’s a frequent contributor to the Wall Street Journal and New York Times, and has appeared on all of the major national news shows. This week Gus Faucher, the Chief Economist for PNC Financial Services, is joining Jeff for a conversation about the outlook on the regional, state and national economies.

With recent announcements by AWS in St. Joseph County and Microsoft in LaPorte County, people in the region are excited about the future of technology-related businesses in our region. Jeff dives deeper into data centers, cloud computing, AI, and the future of Tech in our region.

The South Bend Ethanol Plant once faced an uncertain future, as owners considered selling it for scrap. However, Verbio North America Holdings' purchase of the plant and their plan to invest $230 million in the property will convert the site into a state-of-the-art biorefinery. Jeff sits down with Greg Northrup to learn more about what’s planned at the site and how Verbio is leading the way in...

Construction could start soon on the Madison Lifestyle District in Downtown South Bend. The $334 million project is the largest mixed-use development in downtown history. Jeff sits down with the developer and the city, and George is on site for a deep dive into all you need to know about the project.

Last year, the South Shore line of the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District embarked on the largest projects they’ve undertaken in more than a century. The West Lake Corridor and the Double Track projects are complete. Jeff sits down with South Shore leadership, and George is out at the train station for some important updates.

Tune in to Economic Outlook for insights on SW Michigan's economy with Rob Cleveland & Zach Morris. Discover local growth strategies and join George at MEC Smart Park with Dave Allen to explore its impact on Cass County. Guests: Rob Cleveland, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cornerstone Alliance Zach Morris, Executive Director for Market Van Buren Dave Allen, VP of Regulatory for...

Baseball season has kicked off, and the South Bend Cubs are back in action. The team has big plans for this season and even bigger plans for the offseason, with some major stadium improvements. Jeff is sitting down with South Bend Cubs owner Andrew Berlin, and George is out at the ballpark talking with Cubs President Joe Hart to talking all things Four Winds Field.

Students at the University of Notre Dame are doing important research in a wide variety of fields. Recently graduate students competed in the 3MT competition, where students had 3 minutes to convey the essence of their research to many outside their fields of study. Jeff and George dive deeper into the competition with this year’s winners.

Last year, we introduced you to a new tourist attraction on South Bend’s west side at US 31 and US 20, which is expected to be a major employer, and will attract more than 100,000 annual visitors. Jeff and George are getting an updated look at the construction of the new Indiana Dinosaur Museum, Chocolate Factory, and Chocolate Museum, including updates on when you’ll be able to visit.

Elkhart County has long been a center for entrepreneurship and innovation and is one of the top manufacturing hubs in the country. Jeff and George are taking an inside look at all things Elkhart County as they chat with community leadership to dive deeper into the projects that continue to drive Elkhart County’s resurgence.

The National Restaurant Association forecasts sales will top $1 Trillion for the first time in history, and the nation's second-largest private sector employer is on track to add 200,000 jobs, bringing employment to 15.7 million. Jeff is taking a deep dive into the state of the restaurant industry with two prominent local owners.

International Air Transport Association research predicts this could be a banner year for airline travel as 44% of those polled plan to fly more this year than they did last year. That could mean a real boom for the South Bend International Airport. Jeff and George take a closer look at travel, the airline industry, and hear how that all might impact SBN.

Digital access and skills are essential to thrive in a modern world, but that access can sometimes be hard to come by. The City of South Bend has been recognized nationally for its efforts to connect all members of the community. Jeff and George are taking a closer look at those efforts to see how their model could be one for other communities to follow.

Communities across the Country are in a battle to attract and retain top talent. Jeff is sitting down this week with an expert that has helped cities across the country prepare for and win that battle by showcasing why they are a great place to live. Join us for our conversation with Livability.com Editor and Chief Amanda Ellis.

Community Foundations have a powerful impact on the communities they serve. Thanks to the generosity of their donors, their efforts help improve communities and drive economic growth. Jeff and George are talking with the leaders from the Elkhart, Marshall and St. Joseph County Community foundations to find out more about their good work.

They are one of the smallest counties in the region, but they pack a big punch. Marshall County has seen some great growth in recent years in its communities like Plymouth, Bremen, Culver and Bourbon, and its been intentional. Jeff and George are talking with Marshall County leadership to better understand how small communities compete for new jobs and capital investment.  

She’s a former Fortune 100 executive and veteran policy strategist on the national stage and was recently tapped to be the new President and CEO of the state’s largest business advocacy organization.  Jeff is sitting down this week with Vanessa Green Sinders from the Indiana Chamber of Commerce and George is traveling to Goshen for his conversation with Chamber President and CEO Nick Kieffer.

Construction is underway on the new Mishawaka Fieldhouse, a 220,000 multi-purpose indoor sports complex that could help drive new tourism opportunities for our region. Jeff is sitting down with the Project Developer and the Tourism Bureau chief, and George is talking to Mayor Dave Wood to find out more about the project and what its impact on the region will be.

The University of Notre Dame has a long history of turning the research happening on campus into the commercialization of those discoveries, and that work is driving new economic opportunities for our region. Jeff and George are diving deeper into that work, including some recent award-winning success stories.

Communities across the country are talking about the shortage of housing and the effects those shortages are having on community growth. The issues are complex, so Jeff and George taking a deep dive into housing today with an eye on some of the solutions that could help spur economic growth.